The Many Faces of Rīga

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Grace Copeland
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1 The Many Faces of

is a city where centuries meet, where Art Nouveau grandeur contrasts Soviet practicality, where wooden buildings are reflected on the walls of new high-rise.

2 is a city where centuries meet, where Art Nouveau grandeur contrasts Soviet practicality, where wooden buildings are reflected on the walls of new high-rise., the oldest city in Latvia, has developed into an important economic, political and cultural centre since the Middle Ages. When the formation of an independent Latvian Republic occurred in 1918, became the capital. Today more than one third of Latvia s population lives in ; it is also home to the country s largest manufacturers, as well as the central government and administration boards. is a cultural hub, where all forms of culture are part of everyday life; it is a European city with a unique and historical feel. has many faces, new and old, contrasting and complimentary, creative and traditional. Once you are here, it will take you by surprise. Cover photo: A bird s eye view of Old and the Powder Tower

3 My... Krzysztof, moved to from Warsaw in 1999: In Latvia people cut their hair only during the waning moon, and their nails never on a Sunday. Remember not to put your briefcase on the floor unless you want to have serious financial problems. Never whistle when inside, or you will summon the devil! If you were taught never to go on a swamp, in Latvia you can forget this silly rule EVERYBODY does, as this is where the best cowberries and cranberries grow. And you better not make yourself look silly by showing off your noble surname. Here the only part of the society which is considered to deserve extra respect are people born nine months after Līgo, the national mysterium of fertility. A British journalist once concluded that Latvia is the last pagan country in Europe. Well exactly! Welcome to Latvia a unique place where one can still sense reminders of pre-christian Europe! Brigita, moved to from Melbourne in 1993: s most endearing quality is that it s compact. This isn t simply a useful party component; it s more a state of being. Living in, you can be anywhere else in Europe quickly. You can also be at the beach in half an hour, or deep in the fresh nature of your choice, in even less time. But if you don t actually leave it, old town is an eloquent and compact history lesson. Most streets, with at least one wooden, Art Nouveau and Art Deco building, are an even more compact history of architecture text book. It s pleasing to the eye to scan, contrast, whimsy, texture, story, history, mystery. If you stand in the centre of Rātslaukums, you have a 360 panorama of today, the good and the bad! If you do the same on the corner of the Saeima and Klostera iela, you can see the 13 th through to the 20 th century by turning on a coin. And, the sleeper suburbs are also compact enough to be avoided easily! The emergence of the new creative quarters will further entrench the delight of clever compact neighbourhoods, and ultimately, the legacy of diverse nationalities living side by side in a busy merchant port is what has given its unique patina! Jerry, moved to from Estonia in 1996: is a great place for business. is one of the largest cities on the Baltic sea coast, and certainly in the Baltic States, with liberal economic policies that make it easy for the foreign investor to get in and get out. Although once in, you may also want to stay. The quality of life in is excellent. As the capital city, attracts the best workforce of the country, it is well connected to the other cities in Europe, and it offers walkable distances, a rich cultural life, nearness of nature, and a thriving and friendly international community. Polish Fiat on an Old street

4 in Numbers Visitors I Data: 2014 Foreign visitors in Latvian hotels and other accommodation establishments: Easy to Reach London 1674 km (2.5 hr flight) Stockholm 443 km (43 min flight) Biggest in the Baltics 78.7% 21.3% the rest of Latvia Size Population I Data: 2014 New York 6751 km (10 hr flight) Moscow 840 km (1.2 hr flight) Vilnius Tallinn Brussels 1457 km (2 hr flight) Vilnius km km km 2 Tallinn Economic Activity I Data: 2011 GDP I Data: 2011 Rigans Population of Latvia I Data: 2014 Living in 32.1% Male 44.1% Elsewhere in Latvia 67.9% Female 55.9% Ethnic Composition I Data: 2014 Latvian 45.7% Russian 38.3% Belarusian 4.0% Ukrainian 3.5% Polish 1.9% Lithuanian 0.8% Roma 0.1% Other 5.7% Trade, accommodation and food service activities 20.76% Financial, insurance, scientific and administrative activities; real estate activities 17.58% Transportation, storage, information and communication 15.31% Manufacturing and energy industry 12.81% Education 9.69% Construction 6.77% Public administration and defence; compulsory social security 5.58% Human health and social work activities 5.72% Agriculture, forestry and fishing 0.69% Other activities 5.09% 50.2% The average gross monthly salary in, 2013: EUR I Data: % the rest of Latvia Euro zone since January 2014

s Story History was officially founded in 1201 by Bishop Albert following the Crusades, but the history of goes back to the 2 nd century as initial settlers moved to the area.

Due to its strategic location by the Baltic Sea, between Russia and the Nordic countries, as well as its port, was desirable to many foreign powers for centuries to come.

5 s Story History was officially founded in 1201 by Bishop Albert following the Crusades, but the history of goes back to the 2 nd century as initial settlers moved to the area. s prominence grew after 1282 when it joined the Hanseatic League. Due to its strategic location by the Baltic Sea, between Russia and the Nordic countries, as well as its port, was desirable to many foreign powers for centuries to come. Following initial German rule, during the 16 th century was largely ruled by the Polish, in the 17 th by the Swedes, in the 18 th by the Russians. Riga s Old Town is a stunning testimony to its tumultuous history. Foreign dominance went hand in hand with the growth of nationalism and the development of the idea of an independent nation, which Latvia achieved in 1918, with as its capital. In 1940 was occupied by Soviet forces and in 1941 by the German army, in 1945 the Soviet Occupation resumed. In 1991 was at the heart of the Singing Revolution and turned into a city of barricades before Latvia regained its full independence. Present-day In recent decades has developed into the key financial and trade centre of the Baltics. It is the cultural and political centre of Latvia, home to more than a third of the country s population and the main driving force of the Latvian economy. has hosted numerous events of international significance, ranging from the Tall Ships Regatta to the NATO summit, from the Eurovision Song Contest to the European Capital of Culture. For Rigans themselves there are at least 58 different s 58 neighbourhoods each with its own distinct character. In, history is ever-present in the stunning historical buildings, in the tributes to historical events, but the atmosphere is dominated by a youthful and creative energy. This fusion of past and present can be felt especially well in s numerous creative quarters, where the historical has been preserved, renovated, yet the events held there are distinctly young, creative, and contemporary. Dome Cathedral Contemporary Art Festival SURVIVAL KIT

disadvantaged by Miks Lejnieks and Ilze Neidere, to mention just a few, and with future plans of a grand concert hall and contemporary art museum. A legend says that shall never be complete.

6 Cityscape Glass and Stone Full of historical references, provides an interesting starting point for contemporary architects. A bank building by Lithuanian architect Audrius Ambrasas, the National Library building by Latvian-American architect Gunārs Birkerts, an unusual project for a daycare centre for the homeless and disadvantaged by Miks Lejnieks and Ilze Neidere, to mention just a few, and with future plans of a grand concert hall and contemporary art museum. A legend says that shall never be complete. Wooden Scattered throughout are simple yet beautiful wooden buildings of a variety of styles from sheds to mansions, through baroque and classicism and even Art Nouveau. About 4000 wooden buildings still stand in, more than in any other European country, 500 or so of them in the historic centre, with the oldest ones from the 18 th century. In recent years, many have been renovated in thoughtful and creative ways. DNB Nord building (2010) by architect Audrius Ambras Wooden architecture in Ķīpsala

Next to the cosmopolitan Art Nouveau, a local national romanticism also flourished slightly less decorative, with more of a Nordic thoroughness and often using local materials, for example,

7 Art Noveau is particularly well known for, and proud of, its wealth of Art Nouveau buildings. A third of central, around 800 buildings, is built in the Art Noveau style, which is more than in any other European city. Next to the cosmopolitan Art Nouveau, a local national romanticism also flourished slightly less decorative, with more of a Nordic thoroughness and often using local materials, for example, travertine. The prominence of these buildings, in addition to other gems such as wooden architecture, earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Sleeper Suburb The outskirts of take you back a few decades, as the areas are lined with Soviet estates parts of the city which consist of a series of identical buildings placed in geometric patterns. The biggest ones are Imanta, Purvciems, Zolitūde. Functionalism was the prime principle in the design of these buildings aesthetics were not important their purpose was to provide affordable living space for a rapidly increasing urban population, nothing more. To this day, most city dwellers live in these estates, most of which have not been regenerated. Eclectic style building very early Art Nouveau on Alberta 9, architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns, 1901 Purvciems, a sleeper suburb of

Wild is home to numerous parks and green spaces. The wildest is probably Mežaparks. This historic region of is situated on the banks of the lake Ķīšezers, and next to a far-stretching forest park.

It is also home to the Zoo the oldest in northern Europe, and a large open air stage which every 5 years houses the Nationwide Song and Dance Celebration.

8 Wild is home to numerous parks and green spaces. The wildest is probably Mežaparks. This historic region of is situated on the banks of the lake Ķīšezers, and next to a far-stretching forest park. Historically a very affluent area, Mežaparks is patterned with stunning villas. It is also home to the Zoo the oldest in northern Europe, and a large open air stage which every 5 years houses the Nationwide Song and Dance Celebration. It is a popular destination for lounging by and swimming in the lake, as well as cycling or rollerblading through the vast forest park grounds. Cobblestone Old is the historical and geographical centre of the city. It covers a relatively small inner area of 13 th - 18 th century fortifications where unique monuments of medieval architecture are concentrated, having survived two world wars. Unlike the rest of central, Old is a maze of small, narrow, often cobblestoned roads, which weave in an unpredictable manner. Bastejkalns park in the centre of A street painter in Old

The Opera House puts on nearly 200 productions per season with around six of them new. It also hosts the annual Opera Festival, highly popular with international guests. kim?

9 Cultural Opera The Latvian National Opera House stands in the very centre of and is home to both the National Opera and the National Ballet. Numerous world-famous artists started their career on its stage, among them Andris Nelsons, Elīna Garanča, Kristīne Opolais, Egils Siliņš and Aleksandrs Antoņenko. The Opera House puts on nearly 200 productions per season with around six of them new. It also hosts the annual Opera Festival, highly popular with international guests. kim? Contemporary Art Centre Housed in a red 19th-century brick warehouse near the Riga Central Market, this art centre offers a range of activities related to recent art, theory and social issues introduced by means of local and international corpus of ideas, beliefs and individuals. The name of kim? is no less than an acronym of an insistent question what is art? ( kas ir māksla? in Latvian). The centre supports the development of emerging artists, theoreticians, curators, philosophers, translators and thinkers of other spheres aiming to provide a responsive context to their work and to make critical practices accessible to a wider audience. A still from Verdi s opera Traviata with Kristīne Opolais in the lead role North by Northeast within Cēsis Art Festival, artists Kaspars Podnieks and Krišs Salmanis

Latvian Nationwide Song and Dance Celebration Undoubtedly the biggest cultural event on the busy Latvian cultural calendar, the Latvian Nationwide Song and Dance Celebration has taken place every

The celebration brings together around 40,000 participants in choir singers, dancers, orchestral musicians, small music ensembles from the largest cities and the smallest rural villages throughout

10 Latvian Nationwide Song and Dance Celebration Undoubtedly the biggest cultural event on the busy Latvian cultural calendar, the Latvian Nationwide Song and Dance Celebration has taken place every five years since The celebration brings together around 40,000 participants in choir singers, dancers, orchestral musicians, small music ensembles from the largest cities and the smallest rural villages throughout Latvia, as well as from diaspora communities all over the world. The celebration is recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Sound Forest For over a decade now is also the home of the unique music and film festival Sound Forest. This festival celebrates the contemporary, the new, the non-traditional, controversial and even shocking in the music and film world. It aims to question the notions, break the barriers of the expected, introduce new and unexpected experiences, refresh people s perspectives, and pull people out of their comfort zones. The festival does not focus on a certain musical genre or category, but rather on a new language of sound, and sound artists seeking new perspectives. Closing concert of the Latvian Nationwide Song and Dance Celebrations, 2013 Planningtorock concert at the Spīķeri concert hall, part of the Sound Forest festival

Business Geographical Hot Spot is strategically located, with an ice-free port on the Baltic Sea, providing easy access to the Scandinavian countries, direct rail links to Russia, and an airport a

Historically, it was a member of the Hanseatic League, and in a crucial location on the amber trade route.

11 Business Geographical Hot Spot is strategically located, with an ice-free port on the Baltic Sea, providing easy access to the Scandinavian countries, direct rail links to Russia, and an airport a mere 10 km from the city centre with direct flights to over 80 destinations worldwide. also serves as a gateway to Central Asian states. Historically, it was a member of the Hanseatic League, and in a crucial location on the amber trade route. Bridge Between East and West Latvia has been part of both East and West throughout its history. As a result of this, the vast majority of people in Latvia, especially in, speak at least 3 languages Latvian, Russian, and English; German and the Scandinavian languages are also widely known. And many have experience working with partners both in the East and in the West. Eastern partnership is a key aim of the foreign policy. As such, the Latvian work force can provide a bridge between the East and the West, easily switching from communicating with one to the other, with awareness of cultural sensitivities. Railway tracks in s trade port during the winter

Innovative Moped The company Sarkanā Zvaigzne was one of the flagships of Latvian industry (established in 1927 and renamed Sarkanā Zvaigzne, meaning red star, in 1963), it was one of the largest

In cooperation with the factory and its engineers, designer Gunārs Glūdiņš created technical engine models, which dominated the field in the USSR, becoming popular in the entire Eastern bloc.

12 Innovative Moped The company Sarkanā Zvaigzne was one of the flagships of Latvian industry (established in 1927 and renamed Sarkanā Zvaigzne, meaning red star, in 1963), it was one of the largest engine factories in the USSR. In cooperation with the factory and its engineers, designer Gunārs Glūdiņš created technical engine models, which dominated the field in the USSR, becoming popular in the entire Eastern bloc. Minox In 1937, Walter Zapp, designer of the Latvian State Electronics Factory (VEF), surprised the world with the smallest camera ever made. It entered the history of technology not only because of its size but also because of its principally new modifications and innovative technological solutions. The camera had an outstanding design that probably wielded its influence for several decades of industrial design to come. Advertising photo for the moped, 1980s VEF Minox camera from 1939

Interactive Fabric Zane Bērziņa, after graduating the Latvian Academy of Art and continuing her education in Helsinki, Berlin, Paris and London, has been working successfully on the border between

Her research projects and experiments have resulted in the creation of a special interactive fabric - a material which reacts to the electrostatic charge of the human body or an object, and

13 Interactive Fabric Zane Bērziņa, after graduating the Latvian Academy of Art and continuing her education in Helsinki, Berlin, Paris and London, has been working successfully on the border between art and science, researching so called smart fabrics. Her research projects and experiments have resulted in the creation of a special interactive fabric - a material which reacts to the electrostatic charge of the human body or an object, and translates it into a visual pattern. Zane Bērziņa has been a contributing expert to a range of international research projects and has collaborated widely with various research and academic institutes, design companies, creative initiatives and businesses. Cancer treatment Latvia has become a world leader in the virotherapy field (using viruses in therapy of malignant tumours), developed by professor Aina Muceniece and her team. This therapy prolongs and improves the quality of life for cancer patients. Blue Microphones Blue Microphones, appreciated by Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Coldplay, Elton John, The Killers, Jay-Z, Paul McCartney and others, were created in 1995 by Latvian recording engineer Mārtiņš Saulespurēns and American musician Skipper Wise. They experimented with the classic Golden Age microphone, combining it with the newest digital technologies, resulting in microphones that not only look stylish but also offer unique sonic qualities. Scientific Innovator Kalnbērzs Rigan Dr. med. habil. Viktors Kalnbērzs (1928), a distinguished surgeon and scientific innovator, has already gone down in history with more than 80 inventions and 27 patents. He studied osteosynthesis of bone fractures, worked out techniques for plastic surgery, conducted phalloplasty and endoprosthesis of the breasts. Most notably, Kalnbērzs was the first to perform full gender reassignment surgery in the former Soviet Union, and developed the technique that is still in use today. He is a respected academic, and has practiced and supervised surgery all over Europe. Art and research project Topography by Zane Bērziņa Blue microphone design sketch by artist Juris Dimiters

Russia, and it has experienced German, Swedish, Polish Lithuanian, and Russian rule.

14 A Few Things......You Need to Know is the biggest city and the key economic centre of the Baltic States. Since its founding, has been desirable to various European powers because of its strategic location on the banks of the river Daugava, by the Baltic Sea, between the Scandinavian countries and Russia, and it has experienced German, Swedish, Polish Lithuanian, and Russian rule. is a cultural hub; regardless of the time of year, political or economic situation, there is always something happening theatre productions, art exhibitions, concerts, festivals, operas. Food is an important part of Latvian culture, and you will certainly not go hungry in, which is home to countless incredible restaurants and cafes, and has a high concentration of very talented chefs. s ice-free port is the biggest in the Baltics. The airport is located only 10km from the city centre, and has direct flights to over 80 destinations. has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings (40%) and the greatest number of 19 th century wooden buildings in all of Europe (about 4000). Additionally, living history is visible on the streets of the city as historical buildings intersperse with gems of Soviet architecture. Alise Joste s concert at the Palladium concert hall Kaņepes cultural centre in

For over five centuries cobblestones have made Riga s streets unique; at one time nearly all of s streets were cobblestoned. Cats love.

15 A Few Things......You Don t Need to Know While in the countryside people are woken up by the morning song of roosters, in it is the sound of seagull cries which wake city dwellers in the early hours of day. For over five centuries cobblestones have made Riga s streets unique; at one time nearly all of s streets were cobblestoned. Cats love. There is even a cat house, and a cat hostel in the Old Town (though both are meant for people)! has been called the Hipster Capital of Europe, because of its numerous creative quarters, artistic locations and venues, and a love for vintage and retro-looking bikes. You can ride your bike on the pavement, and bring it on any public transport free of charge in! There are beaches right in the heart of town, and the sea is a mere 30 minutes away. is the birthplace of the decorated Christmas tree. The gate of the Daugava river with a lighthouse on the western mall, Mangaļsala Tweed ride 2012

Legend of There are many tales passed down through generations of our beloved, age-old, and one of them goes like this: can never be complete, or else it will sink into the Daugava river.

16 Legend of There are many tales passed down through generations of our beloved, age-old, and one of them goes like this: can never be complete, or else it will sink into the Daugava river. Every few hundred years a spirit emerges from the depths of the river and asks the first person it meets whether is complete. If the respondent answers that it is, then on the second night he will die, and on the third will sink into the water. But, since every inhabitant of knows this tale, they tell the spirit that is not finished, and so exists to this day. The Latvian Institute promotes positive awareness about Latvia abroad, creating a competitive identity for the state. The Institute works closely with local and foreign dignitaries, diplomats, academics, students and international media in developing an understanding of Latvia, its people and branding. Photo credits: Zane Bērziņa; Mārtiņš Čerņecovs; sketch by Juris Dimiters; Gunārs Dukšte; Gunārs Glūdiņš; Laura Juhansone-Daugule; Lita Korne / LETA news agency; Andris Krieviņš; Kaspars Lielgalvis / Totaldobže art centre; Ieva Lūka / LETA news agency; Kristīne Madjare; Viesturs Masteiko; Māris Morkāns; Sergejs Prišvins; Ģirts Raģelis; Andrejs Sorokins / f64; Indriķis Stūrmanis; Filips Šmits; Andrejs Zavadskis; Raitis Zeiferts.

17 Latvia For further information please contact the Latvian Embassy or Consulate in your country, or the Latvian Institute: Pils iela 21,, LV 1050, Latvia. Phone: (+371) , Fax: (+371) The Latvian Institute, 2014 Not for sale

RIGA FACTS & FIGURES 2018 RIGA FACTS & FIGURES 2018

RIGA FACTS & FIGURES 2018 RIGA FACTS & FIGURES 2018 RIGA FACTS & FIGURES 2018 1 WHY RIGA? Riga in 2030 will be internationally recognizable Northern European metropolis. The full membership of the Riga in the Northern European Metropolises family based